5 BATTERIES
GB-18
Water Purity Table
Even if the water is colorless, odorless, tasteless and fit
for drinking, the water should be analyzed to see that it
does not exceed the impurity levels specified in the table
above.
Automatic watering devices such as the one shown can
be used with an approved water source. These watering
devices are fast and accurate to use and maintain the
correct electrolyte level within the battery cells.
Figure 5B
5.5
CLEANING BATTERIES _____________________________________________________
When cleaning the batteries, do not use a water hose
without first spraying with a solution of sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and water to neutralize any
acid deposits.
Use of a water hose without first neutralizing any acid,
will move acid from the top of the batteries to another
area of the vehicle or storage facility where it will attack
the metal structure or the concrete/asphalt floor. After
hosing down the batteries, a residue will be left on the
batteries which is conductive and will contribute to the
discharge of the batteries.
The correct cleaning technique is to spray the top and
sides of the batteries with a solution of sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and water. This solution is
best applied with a garden type sprayer equipped with a
non metallic spray wand. The solution should consist of
1/4 cup (59.1 ml) of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
mixed with 1-1/2 gallons (5.7 l) of clear water. In addition
to the batteries, special attention should be paid to
metallic components adjacent to the batteries which
should also be sprayed with the sodium bicarbonate
(baking soda) solution.
Allow the solution to sit for at least three minutes; use a
soft bristle brush or cloth to wipe the tops of the batteries
in order to remove any residue that could cause the self
discharge of the battery. Rinse the entire area with low
pressure clear water. Cleaning should take place once a
month or more often under extreme conditions.
Figure 5C
Impurity
Parts per million
Color
Clear
Suspended
Trace
Total Solids
100
Calcium & Magnesium Oxides
40
Iron
5
Ammonia
8
Organic & Volatile Matter
50
Nitrites
5
Nitrates
10
Chloride
5
VALVE CONSISTENTLY FILLS TO
A PREDETERMINED LEVEL.
ELECTROLYTE
LEVEL
SINGLE BATTERY CELL
PURE
WATER
TR007
1-1/2 GALLONS
CLEAR WATER
1/4 CUP SODIUM
BICARBONATE
(BAKING SODA)
2 GAL. GARDEN SPRAYER
(1 1/2 GAL. OF WATER)
NON-METAL
WAND
TR008
KEEP BATTERY CAPS ON TO
AVOID CONTAMINATING INSIDE
OF BATTERY.